Pentecostalism is the fastest growing religious movement of our time. The unexpected birth of the modern-day Pentecostal movement at the doorsteps of the twentieth century is as perplexing as its continuing existence and unprecedented expansion worldwide. Once marginalized from public discourse, Pentecostals have entered into mainstream culture, religion, politics, academia, and social action. However, the unprecedented growth of Pentecostalism in all its diversity has led to characterizations ripe with platitudes, stereotypes, and misrepresentations. This Guide for the Perplexed sheds light on the most persistent contrasts characterizing the Pentecostal movement: the tension between local manifestations and global Pentecostalism, the inconsistency between spiritual discernment and charismatic excess, the gap between rampant denominationalism and the pursuit of Christian unity, the disparity between poverty among many Pentecostals and the popularity of the prosperity gospel, the division between Oneness Pentecostals and their trinitarian counterparts, and the worldview of Pentecostals beyond the confines of a religious movement. Those tensions form the essence of global Pentecostalism and represent the emergence of a global Christian world.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Table of Contents/List of Abbreviations/Introduction/ Chapter 1: Local Roots and Global Pluralism/ Chapter 2: Holistic Spirituality and Charismatic Extremism/ Chapter 3: Ecumenical Ethos and Denominationalism/ Chapter 4: Orthodox Doctrine and Sectarianism/ Chapter 5: Social Engagement and Triumphalism/ Chapter 6: Egalitarian Practices and Institutionalism/ Chapter 7: Scholarship and Anti-Intellectualism/Epilogue/Suggestions for Further Reading/ Index
